Victims advised not to chase suspects after incidents where shots were fired

The Cold Lake RCMP is asking victims of property crimes to not chase after suspects stemming from two incidents in recent months where shots were fired.

On February 15, police received a complaint that a motor vehicle was stolen. RCMP said the victims managed to find the vehicle on Elizabeth Metis Settlement and attempted to get the vehicle back themselves.

This led to an altercation followed by other suspects attending and shooting a gun. Police said the victims were advised multiple times by the 911 operator to stop following the vehicle.

On April 2, an attempted theft of a vehicle occurred in Cold Lake North. Police said the victim surprised the suspect when he exited his home, causing the suspect to run away in another vehicle and leave the scene.

The victim is said to have followed the suspect vehicle where the suspect discharged a firearm once towards the victim. At this point, the victim overtook the suspect vehicle, police said, and the suspect discharged a firearm numerous times, striking the back of the victim’s vehicle twice.

RCMP say both matters are still under investigation at this time.

Cold Lake RCMP would like to remind the public that people involved in property crimes are likely to be involved with drugs and firearms.

By taking matters into your own hands you are putting yourself and others at risk by following suspects. RCMP say to call 911 immediately for assistance as officers are trained to deal with these incidents in a safe manner.